By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Negrense center Henjz Gabriel “Kobe” Demisana is leaving the University of the Philippines (UP) nest as he commits to join Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles for college.

The Negros Occidental’s Pontevedra-native formalized his commitment to the reigning UAAP champion yesterday after listening to offers from a number of Manila-based schools and universities.

“Growing up, Ateneo is one of my dream schools,” the 18-year-old center Demisana said.

“The main reason I chose Ateneo is that I know I can grow more as a player and as a student here,” he said.

“Alam naman natin na Ateneo is one of the top universities in the Philippines and I will learn a lot here. Hindi lang sa court pati rin about life after basketball,” he added.

The 6-foot-8 Demisana was a former standout of Bacolod Tay Tung High School Thunderbolts before he forced his way out of school to join the UP Integrated School.

In his sole season with the Junior Maroons, Demisana delivered averages of 17.64 points, 12.64 rebounds, 4.07 blocks, 2.64 assists, and 2.14 steals, but his school won only one of their 14 games.

Demisana, who was also tapped to play for Batang Gilas last year, said he is looking forward to being handled by former Gilas Pilipinas mentor Thomas Baldwin at the Blue Eagles den.

“I am so excited to be under Coach Tab, primarily because of his experience and career. I know there is still so much for me to learn, and I am confident that he will give his best to teach me,” Demisana said.

“I want to absorb all the knowledge and skills that Coach Tab can impart because he knows what is best for every player,” he said.

“I believe it is God’s plan for me, and I trust that more opportunities are coming. So, I thank God for this,” he added.

Demisana joins fellow Negrense Raffy Celis and Michael Asoro of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu; and Gilas Youth standouts Mason Amos and Kyle Gamber as part of Ateneo’s recruitment class for 2023./ASC, WDJ